Busch, who was announced earlier in the week as Furniture Row Racing’s new driver for 2013, will replace Regan Smith in the No. 78 Chevrolet.

Joe Garone, Furniture Row Racing’s general manager, made the announcement today with Busch alongside of him at a news conference at Dover International Speedway.

“In order to get a jump on developing a driver/team chemistry for the 2013 season, both Kurt and Furniture Row Racing felt that this was an important move to make happen,” said Garone. “While the goal of this decision is to better prepare for 2013, the main focus for the final six races remains the same and that is to compete at a competitive level.”

Garone also stated that Smith’s Furniture Row Racing contract, which expires at the end of the season, will be fully honored.

Busch said he is excited about getting a head start with the Denver, Colo.-based team.

“We want to come out of the chute next year ready and raring to go,” said Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. “Driving the Furniture Row Chevrolet in the final six races of this season will obviously give us a big advantage in our preparations for 2013. The energy level is quite high and I can’t wait to get out to Colorado to meet all the guys and begin this exciting new journey.”